Being part of Rabobank has enabled Rabobank, N.A. to offer
more to its clients while still achieving growth, and pursuing
opportunities for cross-network referral. But it's not only
Rabobank, N.A. customers who benefit; clients of other
Rabobank affiliates do, too.
Improved pricing
RNA adds value
Impressive figures
Added value
from day one
Valley Independent Bank (VIB) joined the Rabobank
Group in 2002 and officially changed its name to
Rabobank, N.A. (RNA), in April 2005. That step has
undoubtedly enhanced the bank's growth prospects.
The powerful brand recognition of Rabobank meant
perceptions about the bank changed instantly,' says Rick
Arredondo, President of RNA. 'We are now positioned to
be an emerging competitor in California. Rabobank's
global capabilities have also opened doors for us to
pursue clients who want to align themselves with a
partner with international expertise and services.'
Beyond the new name and prestigious affiliation, RNA has
improved its pricing since joining Rabobank. It was
previously a publicly-held company; now, says
Arredondo, 'since we don't pay dividends and our profits
are retained locally, we can more competitively price our
products and services. In addition to our outstanding
customer service, our customers also value our ability to
lower their costs, which helps them to reinvest in their
own businesses.'
Customers of other Rabobank affiliates will, in turn, benefit
from RNA being a member of thefamily. 'Improving
cooperation will continue to be a focus, and we have
already seen several instances where we have added
value,' Arredondo says. These include RNA's Internet
banking platform, its new remote deposit capture
service, and traditional banking products not offered
by other Rabobank affiliates, such as deposits, CDs and
installment loans.
'In 2005 we reached an asset size of US$ 3 billion, the
highest in our history,' Arredondo says, 'primarily
through significant growth in our loan and deposit
22 The Word
